WINOOSKI -- Vermont Health Connect the health care marketplace, or exchange, being set up under the federal Affordable Care Act, has a new toll-free number where people can call to get their questions answered.

The customer support hotline is available nearly a month in advance of the startup date for enrollments in the new health insurance offerings. Vermont Health Connect will formally begin signing people up on Oct. 1 for coverage to take effect on Jan. 1.

The help line, which can be reached at 1-855-899-9600, is designed to help both individuals buying health insurance for themselves and their families, and to provide guidance to small businesses and their employees who want to sign up for employer-sponsored insurance.